Morning Sickness during pregnancy

WHAT IS MORNING SICKNESS?

· It is a type of nausea and vomiting that usually develops during pregnancy.

· Morning sickness can come at any time of the day or night,despite its name.

· Research suggests that nausea and vomiting during pregnancy might be due to the effects of a hormone produced by the placenta called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

· It affects many pregnant women,especially in the first trimester.However,some women experience may even it throughout their pregnancy.

· It can occasionally become so severe that it can also lead to Hyperemesis Gravidarum-a condition when a pregnant woman’s nausea and vomiting are severe enough to induce severe dehydration or a loss of more than 5% of their pre-pregnancy body weight.

CAUSES

· Elevated hormonal levels

· Underlying medical conditions

· Family history of morning sickness

· Pregnancy with twins

· General susceptibility to motion sickness

· Migraine

· Smell of particular foods

TIPS TO MANAGE

· Emphasise on small and frequent meals regularly, as an empty stomach tends to trigger nausea.

· Eat a few crackers or toast in the morning to help settle your stomach.

· Dry,bland food in the morning

· Cut out fatty,spicy and fried food from diet

· Ask help for cooking [to reduce exposure to strong smells]

· Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day.Include more of appetite stimulants like ginger,lemon,tamarind etc